Is Codeine legal in Switzerland?
- Legal status
- Codeine is prescription-only (dispensing category B): codeine and dihydrocodeine cough medicines were reallocated from category C to B in 2019 (upheld by the Federal Administrative Court, barring druggists from selling them). Codeine is controlled under the Narcotics Act (BetmG).
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised possession or supply is a criminal offence under the BetmG; personal use draws a fine and trafficking imprisonment.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed and dispensed as a category-B controlled medicine - no longer available through druggists since 2019.
- Documentation
- Carry a prescription and original packaging; within Schengen the Article 75 certificate applies (roughly 30 days' supply).
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Switzerland’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →